Inkjet & Digital Printing
Operational agility: a refreshing approach
Wednesday 09. December 2020 - As businesses continue to adjust to the changing landscape the Coronavirus is shaping, emphasis is growing on operational agility and flexibility. New approaches are needed to address the speed of change. European business leaders should look to move from stabilisation and survival to renewed growth and competitiveness.
By Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Commercial and Industrial Printing Group, Ricoh Europe
That is the finding of an Accenture survey that reported two-thirds of C-level executives expected European markets to see either a rapid V-shaped recovery or a slow-but-steady U-shaped progress. Drawing on a global survey of 478 C-level executives it stated they could achieve this through accelerating digital transformation and pursuing next generation collaboration techniques and technologies.
We have supported Print Service Providers (PSPs) who have already embraced significant transformation. They include those that have:
1) Accelerated new ways of working
The pandemic prompted many operations to speed up internal reviews. While there was now a real need to implement software to support home working PSPs also took the opportunity to consider other measures. For some that was maintaining core services. These ranged from being able to identify the most effective communication medium, to accessing the correct templates to design, order and produce printed documents remotely and securely. With our Hybrid Mail software we helped DZ Bank, Germanys second largest commercial bank, manage its customer communication remotely, without interruption.
For others it was important to see operational updates through the remote monitoring of production or by accessing the latest data – particularly if the numbers of staff physically on site had to be restricted. RICOH Supervisor can enable operations to quickly identify and implement these capabilities. It also can help PSPs introduce more effective methods of batching work to either manage staffing issues or identify the need to outsource work while still meeting key deadlines.
2) Adapted with transformative technology
Clients took the opportunity to explore new service offerings and revenue streams that existing technologies enabled. Among them wereCartesio Fullcard producing protective visors for Italian healthcare personnel using its Ricoh Pro T7210 UV flatbed printer and Beepag, a company developing Coronavirus signage and messaging with its Pro T7210 printer and Ricoh Pro L5160 large format printer.
Others reviewed ways to get the best out of their systems through improved employment of software; elevated production capabilities with available retrofittable upgrades; or completed a thorough maintenance review. They also enhanced business agility with investment in responsive systems developed to flexibly manage a broader range of applications.
Responding to these needs Ricoh expanded its portfolio with the Ricoh Pro C5300 digital sheet fed colour press, the Ricoh Pro L5100e Series of extended gamut latex large format printers, the all in one Ricoh Pro TF6251 hybrid flatbed UV printer and the Ricoh Ri 2000 Direct to Garment (DTG) flagship printer.
3) Reshaped their vision and team
Essential to successful operational agility is the support of the team. Encouraging your team to help to identify potential opportunities and ways to develop the business facilitates strong engagement and aids the smooth implementation of any innovative developments.
We have been showing industry leaders how to explore transformation in their business and what their next steps could look like at our HENKAKU (meaning Innovative Change) Live series of virtual events. The current series is focusing on Sign and Graphics and industrial print.
During the pandemic we launchedRicoh Business Booster, an online resource highlighting business development opportunities, and Ricoh Business Booster EDGE a consultancy service offering tailored programmes that aid the effective implementation of profitable new services and value propositions. In the new year clients will also have the ability to learn more about RICOH ProcessDirector and actively network with their peers at Interact Europe in the new year.
Todays circumstances provide a unique opportunity for all businesses to reimagine their operations.